Ati-atihan derived its name from “Ati,” the indigenous natives of Panay Island, and Ati-atihan means “make-believe Atis.” The festival commemorates the arrival of the ten Malay chieftains in the island of Panay who were granted settlement by the Atis. Originally a pagan festival, it became a religious celebration when Christian missionaries gradually turned it into a celebration in honor of the infant Jesus. Considered as the “Mother of Philippine Festivals” Ati-atihan is the loudest and wildest festival in the country. It is formally opened by a mass and drumbeats signal the beginning of the procession and dances on the streets. The highlight occurs on the third Sunday of January when participants from different districts called “tribes” compete in the dance competition. Participants and celebrants paint their faces with black, wear tribal costumes, dance to tribal music while carrying indigenous weapons and shouting “Hala Bira”. A procession of priests carrying torches and images of the Sto. Nino formally closes the event and winners of the dance competition are announced in a grand masquerade ball.

Day 3: Jan 17, 2012
Stay in Kalibo to witness the culminating rites of the Ati-atihan (Groups representing different tribes compete. Costumes, including the headdress, are made of abaca fibers, shells, feathers, bamboo, plant leaves, cogon, sugar cane flowers, beads, trinkets and an assortment of pieces of glass, metals and plastics. The day ends with a procession of parishioners carrying bamboo torches and different images of the Santo Niño. The contest winners are announced at a masquerade ball.)
(Whole Day Affair)